Aggies BlitZ: What to watch today vs. Georgia

SHREVEPORT, La. — A few things to keep an eye (or two) on starting 4 p.m. today, when 6-6 Texas A&M tries winning its first bowl game since 2001. We’ll hold a live chat, as well, during today’s game:

 Georgia defense

The 7-5 Bulldogs are down a defensive coordinator and two position coaches after Mark Richt fired them following the regular season. Defensive line coach Rodney Garner and a couple of graduate assistants are guiding the Georgia defense in the Independence Bowl. This could get interesting considering the Aggies’ up-tempo offense that ranks fifth nationally.

 Momentum?

The Aggies lost their last game a month ago to rival Texas, but it’s the way they lost it that should provide some momentum springing into today’s game. A&M scored 39 points on a team that’s about to play for the national title.

 On the flip side ….

A&M’s defense allowed 49 points to the Longhorns, and ranks 107th nationally in the country. Safety Jordan Pugh said the Aggies “D” is being overlooked. That’s probably for the best right now, considering their numbers. Georgia’s offense has sputtered often this season, but the Bulldogs have faced better defenses in the SEC than what the Aggies will throw at them today.

 Tube troubles?

The Aggies have won all six of their untelevised games this season and lost all six of their games on TV. Today’s game is nationally televised on ESPN2 — although perhaps the Aggies wish it wasn’t.

 Will this be Joe Kines’ last game?

A&M’s 65-year-old defensive coordinator is noncommittal on whether he’ll retire after this season. The guess here is yes — but that’s just a guess. It could be that Kines and head coach Mike Sherman simply haven’t determined Kines’ fate as of yet.

 From snowy to sunny

The last time the Aggies played in Shreveport, in snowed like crazy during the Independence Bowl in a 43-41 loss to Jackie Sherrill’s Mississippi State Bulldogs in 2000. Today’s temperatures are alleged to be in the 40s — with sunny skies. The large contingent of Aggies on hand — larger than Georgia’s and many of whom took part in a yell practice under a Shreveport bridge on Sunday night — is grateful.